At Home with: Windmill’s Holsappel Family

Meet Will and Christina Holsappel, two of the talented minds behind Windmill Cabinet Shop in Chatham, Ontario. With decades of experience in custom cabinetry, their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in their own home—a reflection of their professional ethos.

In 2016, the couple found their ideal home in an established Chatham neighbourhood. With just three months before moving in, they quickly began renovations, focusing on creating a space where their children could grow, explore, and make memories. The home, originally designed by a Vancouver architect, offered a unique blend of natural light and architectural details that they were eager to preserve. “We’re not stuck on one style,” says Will. “We love making something new fit with something old.”

Their renovation approach was all about balance—modernizing the home while maintaining its original character. They retained features like the fireplaces, stairwell, and cedar panelling while updating the kitchen with a custom Windmill design—Eurostyle slab doors that are both functional and a nod to the home’s 1970s roots. “We wanted to respect the house’s history while making it functional for modern living,” Christina explains.

Christina and Will also focused on creating a home with defined spaces, where their children could have their own areas, and they could have theirs. This thoughtful approach to design is deeply personal, inspired by Christina’s childhood memories and her mother’s artwork, which is prominently displayed throughout the home. “The house reminds me of my grandparents’ home,” she says, highlighting the connection to family and tradition that defines their style.

At Border City Living, we’re proud to collaborate with artisans like the Holsappels, who share our commitment to creating homes that honour their history while providing functional, beautiful spaces for modern living. Their Chatham home is a testament to thoughtful design and a deep respect for the past, blending old and new in a way that makes each project special.

Photograhy by Emma Davidson